notes



(No Model.) 2 Sheets-Sheet 1.

, B. J. NOYES.

MUNICIPAL SIGNAL APPARATUS. No. 859,687. Patented Mar. 22. 1887 N.PETERS. Phntu-L'rlhagnphnr. washi'rlgtaq. (Iv

2 Sheets-Sheet 2.

(No Model.)

B. J. NOYBS.-

MUNICIPAL SIGNAL APPARATUS. No 859,687. Patented M21122, 1887 %M%;;77 wmz llrirrno Starts 'r @rrren.

BERNICE J. NOYES, OF BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, ASSlGNOl-t TO THE MUNICIPALSIGXAL COMPANY, OF PORTSMOUTH, N. H.

iJiUNiCiFAL SIGNAL APPARATUS.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 359,687, dated March22, 1887.

Serial No. 201,134.

(No model.)

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that l, BICRNICE J. Novas, of Boston, county of Suffolk, andState of Massachusetts, have invented an Improvement in Municipal SignalApparatus, of which the following description, in connect-ion with theaccompanying drawings, is a specification, like letters on the drawingsrepresenting like parts.

This invention has for its object to construct amunicipalor policesignal system which may be cheaply made, yet capable of efficiently accomplishing the. results considered necessary.

In accordance with this invention a series of signal-boxes orsubstations are connected by an electric circuit with a main station.Each signal-box or substation contains amulliple signaling device forsending signals of different character or significance, and the mainstation is provided with suitable means for receiving the said signals,and also with suitable means for audibly warning the at tendant whensignals of one or another character or class are being received.

The multiple signaling device located at the sub-stations consists of abreak-wheel comprising a disk, a segment or portion of which isinsulated from the remaining portion. The periphery of the disk isprovided with several groups of signals, so that when brought into ico-operation with a contact-pen one or another signal is transmitted.The main portion ofthe disk, or break-wheel, as it may be termed, isconnected with the main circuit, and the contaet-pen normally bearsuponthe periphery of this portion of the disk, said contact-pen being alsoconnected with the main circuit. The disk is mounted upon a shalt underthe control of the operator. Suitable means are provided for locking thecontact-pen out of contact as the disk is revolved in one direction andfor releasing said pen to make contact as the disk assumes its normalposition, said means being such as shown and described in anotherapplication filed by me concurrently with this. It is herein designedthat the main portion of the disk shall transmit the special or wantsignals by total interruptions of the current. The disk is also soconstructed and arranged to be revolved in an opposite direction thatthe contact-pen may make con tact with the insulated segment, which ispro vided with a signaling-surface corresponding with the number of thebox indicative of its locality, and similar means are employed fordisengaging and restoring the contact-pen, as previously described.Suitable auXilia-rypens are en1ployed,uormally in contact with thesaidsegmental portion, which, when brought into cooperation with therevolving disk, interposes a suitable resistance into the line, that thecurrent may be reduced in strength at in tervals. Suitable keys areemployed for revolving the disk in opposite directions, said keys beingso shaped that they can only be employed for the purposes intended.

Itis herein designed that a policeman shall send in his on duty signalby reduction in the current strength, and in this instance,the segmentalportion of the disk being employed, only the box-number is transmitted.

It is also designed that certain authorized citizens shall have accessto the boxes whenin need of assistance to transmit a signal, such signalin this instance being transmitted upon the main portion of the disk,the keys carried by the citizens being suitably shaped to transmit onlythe box-number, while the key carried by the policeman is so shaped thathe can transmit upon the main portion of the disk or multiple signalingdevice any desired signal.

At the main station a relay is interposed in the main line, whichresponds to both reductions in the current strength and also to totalinterruptions thereof, said relay controlling a local circuit, in whichany suitable recorder or register is connected, to thus record allsignals transmitted by the multiple signaling device, whether patrol orspecial signals. Another relay is also connected with the main line,which is adjusted to respond to only total interruptions in the current,said relay,by means of an annunciator-drop, controlling a local circuitin which a vibrating or other suitable bell or gong is located, so thatwhen any special signal or one demanding immediate attention isreceived,which in this instance is transmit-- ted by total interruptionsin the current, an audible warning is given to the attendant of suchfact, calling his attention to the recorder or register, which otherwisehe might not do, as the patrol-signals are received.

Figure 1 shows in front elevation the multiple signaling devicecontained within the box or sub-station; Fig. 2, a side view of Fig. 1,the case containing the apparatus being broken away; Fig. 3, a rear sideView of Fig. 2, taken on the dotted line as m, Fig. 2, and lookingtoward the right; Figs. 4, 5, and 6, details to be referred to; Fig.7, adiagram showing a circuit in which four boxes are placed,-and also thecentral station, to more clearly illustrate the electrical connections.

The multiple signaling device consists of a single break-wheel dividedto comprise a m aiu portion, a,and asegmental portion, 1), insulatedfrom each other, said break-wheel or disk be ing mounted upon a' shaft,a, having its bearings in the oppositesides of the box or case A,

only a portion of which is shown in Fig. 2. A

yielding or movable contact-pen, c, is provided, which normally bearsupon the periphery of the mainportion of the disk (1. Several cams orprojections, c c a rising from the surface of the disk to, cause thecontact-pen c to rise as the disk is revolved in the direction of thearrow 2, and when said pen 0 arrives in its most elevated position it ispassed over upon a latch, (7, (see Fig. 5,) pivoted to a spring oryielding arm, (2, attached to the box or case A. The contact-pen c isthus locked out of engagement with the break-wheel.

The surface of the main portion a of the disk between the several camsor projections c 0 c is notchedor provided with insulating portions,which may be termed signaling-sup. faces, the first one of the saidseries of notches being such as to indicate the number of the box, whileany arbitrary number may be employed for the others.

Several pins, 6 6 te are attached to the disk at, projecting above theperiphery thereof, so that as the break-wheel is revolved in thedirection of the arrow 2 thereon. one of the said pins, as e, willstrike the yielding arm (1, and thereby release the contact-pen c. Thecontact-pen c, as the break-wheel thus returns to its normal position,will cause a signal-in this instance the box-number-to be transmitted.If any other number is to be transmitted besides the box-number, thebreak-wheel is revolved in the direction of the arrow 2 farther thanthat just described, the movement of the contact-pen being first thrownout of engagement by a cam, 0, released by the pin 6', again thrown outof engagement by the cam c and released by the pin 6 and an arbitrarysignalin this instance two dots or dasheswill first be transmitted asthe break-wheel returns, followed by the boX-nnmber.

It a second signal besides the box-nu mber is to be transmitted, thebreak-wheel is revolvedin the direction of the arrow 2 sufficiently tocause the pin e to release the contact-pen, when a different signal willbe transmitted 'npon the return of the break-wheel, followed by thebox-number, it being in this instance one dot followed by two dashes,followed by the box-number.

, Instead of employing the box-number, any other arbitrary signal may beemployed, and as many other signaling-surfaces in addition thereto asmay be desired.

The construction and operation of the main portion a of the break-wheeland its contactpen thus far described are similar to that shown anddescribed in another application filed by me concurrently with this. Thesegmental portion b, insulated from the main portion of the break-wheel,has upon its periphcry a cam or projection, b, and two pins, b? b",which act upon the contact-pen c, as before described; but in thisinstance the surface of the segment is not provided with notches. To theunder side of the segmental portion 1) a series of insulated portions,12, are inlaid or attached, the number corresponding with the number ofthe box, while a continuous strip 1,

of insulating material, U", is attached to one side of the main portiona of the break-wheel, near the periphery thereof andin the path of thecontact-pen 9, so attached as to co-operate with the said strip and theportion 2). Another contact-pen, I1, is provided to co-operate with asecond series ofinsulated portions or breaks, it, cut or mountediin araised segmental strip, h", secured to the segment I), the said pen itnormally lying beyond the end of the said segmental portion h or out ofcontact.

It is preferable that the contact-pens g and h be located upon oppositesides of the breakwheel; but it is obvious that they maybe lo cated uponthe same side. If desired, the insulatingstrip b may be omitted, and theseries of breaks I) act on asegmental strip, as the segmental strip 7L2,the contact-pen in such in: stance lying out, as does the pen h. Theseries of breaks it in the segmental strip h of the segment I) arearranged alternately with the series of breaks If, for the purpose to behere inafter described. It is designed in this instance that a patrolmanshall transmit to a central station his patrol or on duty signal, andalso, when necessary, any special signal required. It is also designedthat certain anthorized persons shall have access to the boxin Fig. 6,consists of a two-ended key, one end,

as t, and marked Patrol, having a projection, t", and a squared socket,2", (see dotted lines,) that it may fit upon the square-ended shaft awhen inserted through a key-hole, 7c,

the projection i hearing at such time against a stop, a, (see Fig. 3,)to prevent rotation in the direction of the arrow 3, but to permitrotation in the opposite direction untilit strikes a projection, a. Atthis time, with the key described, the furthermost portion of thesegmental portion Z) is brought beneath the con tact-pen c, and, the keybeing released by the patrolman, thcsegniental portion of the breakwheelwill immediately return to its normal position by the spring j", thefree end of which is connected with a cord passing around the shaft a,this segment-a1 portion being designed to transmit the patrol-signal.

If any want or special signal is to be trans mitted,the main portion ofthe break-wheel is utilized and the opposite end of the patrol mans key,which latter is provided with a projection, in, somewhat longer than theprojection i, and having a recess, m, that when inserted in the key-holeit: it may pass over the stop a. The shank of this end of the key iscylindrically sockcted,to thus turn freely upon the square end of theshaft a. When this end of the key is employed, which maybe termed thespecial key, the projection m will bear against the stop a, to preventmovement of the brealewheel in the direction of the arrow 4; but by therecess in it maybe turned in the opposite direction, and, strikingagainst the v bentpin or arm 0, thus rotate the break-wheel in thedirection of the arrow 2, Fig. 1, as far as desired, to thus set up anysignal desired to be transmitted.

The special end of the key is provided with a projection, in, which maycooperate with a suitable dial arranged about the key-hole in, todetermine how i'ar the key shall be turned in order to turn thebreak-wheel sufficiently far to cause one or another pin, as a a a, torelease the contact-pen that it may wipe over the su rfacc of thebreak-wheelers the latter returns to its normal position by the aid ofthe spring f, the free end of which is connected with a cord wound aboutthe shaft a.

It is desired to have a citizen transmit the box-signal only, and not totamper with the patrol-signal, and a key such as shown in Fig. 4 isemployed, it having aprojection, 12, somewhat longer than either of theprojections i or in, so that when inserted in the key-hole it it willbear against the stop a and prevent rotation of the break-wheel in thedirection of the arrow 4, but permit it to rotate the shaft in theopposite direction until it strikes the stop a, when the break-wheelwill have been revolved sufficiently far in the direction of the arrow2, 1, to transmit the box-number. It is designed in this instance thatall signals shall be recorded upon a single instrument, but that whenany signal other than a patrol signal is transmitted at suitable audiblewarning will be given to notify the attendant of such fact.

Referring to Fig. 7, a circuit is shown wherein several signal-boxes andthe main or central station are shown in diagram. The main portion ofthe break-wheel a is connected with a main circuit, L, it including thebattery B. J The contactpen c is also connected with the main circuit- Land normally bearing upon the portion (t of the break-wheel, thusforming a closed circuit. The yielding arm or locking device (2 isconnected with the main circuit by abranch wire, 12, so that when thecontactpen is thrown out of contact with the surface of the break-wheeland locked a short circuit is formed round the break-wheel, which isbroken when the pen is released by one of the pins projecting from thesurface of the breakwheel. The contact-pensghare normally out ofcontact, and are each connected by a branch Wire with the main line L, abranch wire connccting the pen 9, including a suitable resistance, It,and as the pens g h are arranged to alternately co-operate with the pen(1, the resistance is alternately interposed into the line, whichreduces and restores to its normal con dition the strength of thecurrent.

A relay, R, is includedjn the main-line cin cuit L, which will respondto either a total break or to a reduction in the current, it havingastronger retractor. The armature of the relay It controls a localcircuit, L", in which is placed a receiving-instrumentsnch, forinstance, as an ordinary recorder or registering apparatus, R. A relay,R", is also included in the main-line circuit L, which is adjusted toonly respond to total breaks in the line, and not to a reduction in thecurrent strength, the armature-lever of the said relay B when releasedin turn releasing an annunciator, which closes the local circuit Lthereby causing a vibrating bell, V, located therein to continuouslyvibrate until the drop 1' is positively returned to its normal position.

It will be seen that as any special or want signal is transmitted overthe main portion a of the break-wheel the current is rapidly broken,releasing the annunciator-drop r,and also causing the relay R torespond, the operation of the co-operating coutact pcn 0 having beenpreviously described.

W'hen the patrolman desires to transmit his patrol-signal, thebreak-wheel is revolved i nthe direction of the arrow (3 thereon untilthe contact-pen c is out of contact, but not breaking the circuit, andwhen he releases hishold upon the key the break-wheel will return to itsnormal position, and during such movementthere will be two circuits fromthe point 21 to the point 22, over which the current alternatelytravels, one over the branch wire 13, contact pen 0, contact-pen g, andwire 14, includinga resistance, and the other over wire 13, contactpen0, contact-pen h, and branch Wire 15, so that the current is alternatelyreduced in strength and restored to its normal condition, the relay Itonly responding as previously described.

It is obvious that the multiple signaling device herein described may beemployed for transmitting any other class of signals besides that suchas herein referred to, and, also, if desired, the same may be employedto operate two independent rereivlug-instruments at a central station.

I do not desire to limit myself to the means herein shown forinterposing the resistance TOC into the main line, as it is obvious thatother means may be devised to cooperate with the signal transmittingapparatus to vary the strength of the current.

I claim I 1. A system for transmitting signals from a sub-station to acentral station over a main circuit,whereiu are combined a multiplesignal-transmitter, which is located at the substation and constructedand arranged to transmit several different signals by current changes ofone or another character, a message receiving instrument at the centralstation, which receives the signal transmitted, and an audible alarm,also located at the said central station, which responds to the currentchange of one character only, whereby an audible warning may be soundedfor some and not for other signals, substantially as described.

2. A system for transmitting signals from a substation to a centralstation, wherein are combined a signal-trausmitting apparatus, which islocated at the sub-station and is constructed and arranged to change thecondition of the circuit to transmit different signals, amessage-receiving instrument located at the central station, whichreceives the different signals transmitted, and an audible alarm orindicating signal, also located at the central station, adapted torespond and thus notify the attendant when some of the messages awaitreply, but not oth ers, substantial 1y as described.

3. A system for transmitting signals from a sub-station to a centralstation, wherein are combined a signal-transmitting apparatus, whichislocated at the sub-station and is con: structed and arranged to totallybreak or vary the strength of the current, a messagereceiving instrumentlocated at the central station, responsive to all changes in thecondition of the current caused by the signal-transmitting apparatus,and an audible alarm or indicating signal which responds only to totalinterruptionsofthe current, substantially as described.

4. In an electric circuit, a breakwvheel comprising a main portion andan insulated segment, and a cooperating pen for said breakwheel,cornbined with two relays, one of which is adjusted to changes in thecondition of the current caused by either the mainportion or segmentalportion of the break-wheel, and the other ofwhich is adjusted to respondto changes in the condition of the current caused by one portion only ofthe break-wheel, substantially as described.

5. In an electric circuit, a break-wheelcomprising a main and aninsulated segment, a pen cooperating therewith, and a shaft upon whichthe said break-wheel is mounted, combined with means, substantially asdescribed, for re volvingthe shaft in one or the opposite direction, andwith, means, substantially as described, for returning the break-wheelto its normal position when turned in either direction, as set forth.

6. In an electric circuit, a signal-transmitting apparatus consisting ofa disk comprising a main and segmental portion, each of which hassignalingsurfaces thereon, combined with.

a movable or yielding pen adapted to co-operate with either part, andwith means, sub,- stantially as described, for throwing the said pen outof contact while the signal is being set up, as set forth.

7. In an electric circuit, a signal-transmitting apparatus consisting ofa two-part disk having signaling-surfaces thereon and a pen adapted toco-operate with either part,c0m-. bined with a locking device attachedto the yielding or movable arm to hold the said pen out of engagementwhile the signal is being set up, with a releasing device, substantiallyas described, for releasing the pen to transmit the signal, as setforth.

8. In an electric circuit, the combination, substantially as described,of a signal-transmitting apparatus consisting of a two-part disk havingsignaling-surfaces on each part,

a cooperating pen for either part, and means,

substantially as described, co-operating with one part for interposing aresistance into the line, two relays connected in the circuit, one ofwhich is adjusted to respond to a signal transmitted by one portion ofthe disk, .and'the other of which is adjusted to respondto both portionsof the disk.

9. In an electric circuit, a signal-transmit ting apparatus consistingof a two -part disk having signaling-surfaces thereoineach part of whichis insulated from the other, and a pen cooperating with either part,.combined with two pens, 9 h, connected by branch wires with the maincircuit, and one of which branch wires contains a resistance, andalternatelyarranged breaks located upon one portion of the saidbreak-wheel, and with which the pens g h co-operate foralternatelyinterposinga resist-ance into the main line as the diskrevolves,

substantially as described.

10. In a system for transmitting signals from asub-station to a centralstation, a signal-transmitting apparatus consisting of a break-wheel andshaft upon which it is mounted, combined with a two-ended-or compoundkey, by which the shaft may be revolved in one or the other 7 direction,all substantially as described.

11. In an electric circuit, a multiple signaling device and a shaft foroperating it, combined with a key having a projection upon one side toco-operate with a dial to determine the distance the said shaft shall berevolved to transmit a determinate signal, substantially as described.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification in thepresence of two subscribing witnesses.

BERNIOE J. NOYES. \Vitnesses:

F. CUTTER, O. M. CONE.

ICO

